Tailored eHealth and mHealth: findings of recent applications

Abstract

Background: Computer tailored strategies and formats can differ substantially, by targeting one behavior or several behaviors, by providing texts in parts or at once, by using text or video, by using games, and by using PCs or smartphones. Special attention is needed for at risk groups, such as lower educated participants as they are at higher risks of health problems and may react to these interventions in a different way. Objective: This presentation describes the results of 6 RCTs testing the above questions concerning delivery modes . Methods: The results of 6 RCTs will be discussed where we randomly assigned respondents to conditions to test the differential effects of mode of delivery. Results: Both sequential and simultaneous tailoring are effective to change lifestyles; video tailoring is more effective than text tailoring; no big differences between e and mHealth occurred; no educational differences were found; computer tailoring is cost-effective. Conclusion: Implementation of effective computer tailored programs is recommended given their cost-effectiveness. Further experimental studies need to identify the optimal mix of communication strategies and methods.